Meet Rob – from Creative Media Production to Politics

Photo of Rob, second year UAL Level 3 Creative Media Production Technology Student at Wakefield College.

I’m Rob and I’m a second year UAL Level 3 Creative Media Production Technology Student at Wakefield College and an aspiring politician – but I haven’t always known what I wanted to be one.

When I was 16, I began studying at a different Sixth Form but I really didn’t enjoy it, so I looked for alternative places to study when I was recommended Wakefield College by a friend. The environment at College seemed completely different to Sixth Form, more relaxed and friendly, a place where you could be more independent.

I chose to study Creative Media Production with the aim of becoming a Sports Journalist. On the course, we learn about all things film, television, production and journalism. I love that we are given ultimate creative freedom to explore any genre we want from documentaries, to horror, comedy and animation to name a few. I’ve focused a lot of my projects on interviews and documentary-style videos so I can practice journalistic skills.

After a year and a half, I can now operate professional cameras, light a set for an interview and I’m comfortable with speaking on camera – I’ve learnt all the skills I need for Sports Journalism.

However, my dream of becoming a Sports Journalist changed in September 2025 when our class were tasked with a huge project – Wakefield’s first Reclaim the Night campaign and march. The Reclaim the Night campaign is a women’s safety movement demanding for women and girls to feel safe in public spaces at night, addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG).

You may have seen and heard about the protest on the streets of Wakefield last November when 300 people marched through the city centre. My class were involved in the marketing campaign leading up to the event as well as taking photos, videos and conducting interviews during the event. I was able to speak to and interview the Mayor of Wakefield, as well as Councillor and VAWG Champion, Maureen Cummings.

My class and I visited Parliament to talk about the project, and I even made a deputation at Wakefield Council about the campaign and women’s safety in the city. We even won a prestigious Educate North Award in May 2026!

This project really changed my ambitions for the future. After working with local authorities, organisations and the community on the project, I realised I wanted to be more involved in local politics. I’m passionate about helping people in the community become more engaged in activities of all kinds as well as helping young people like me get into Politics.

Following this, I decided to email my local MP, Simon Lightwood, to ask for any opportunities for work experience with him and his office - and I was offered a work placement there! I began attending my work placement at MP Simon Lightwood’s office every Friday where I work on local community case work and canvassing activities for the by-election.

I also had the opportunity to visit Parliament (again!) with Simon, where I watched the Prime Minister’s Questions and a third time to go on a tour around the parliamentary estate. All of this experience has made me excited to work in politics.

In April, I was campaigning to be a Councillor in the Hemsworth ward ahead of the May elections – I was one of the youngest people running! Unfortunately, I wasn’t voted in, but the process has made me more motivated for next time.

This year, I’ll finish my course at College and I’m hoping to progress to study Politics and International Relations at Sheffield Hallam University, whilst continuing to pursue local politics.

My advice to other young people in a similar position to me before I started at College is that every journey is different, you may have to dip in and out of the subjects you’re interested in before you find the right one for you. Don’t be afraid to make a decision about your future and remember to focus on the positive outcomes.

If you’re a creative, choose a creative pathway – study somewhere where you can show off your ideas to people who will listen and help you bring them to life. If you want to get involved in politics or local issues, write to your local MP or local organisations and join in on events or take part in volunteer work where you can meet people who are like-minded. It’s all good experience and you may find even more opportunities from it!

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